Latest news with #PreventionofElectronicCrimesAct
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Salman Akram Raja announces nationwide PTI protest for August 5
Listen to article Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Secretary General Salman Akram Raja has called for a nationwide protest on August 5, urging the public to rally behind what he described as a 'historic movement.' Framing the party's struggle as a fight for national sovereignty rather than mere political survival, Raja appealed for mass participation to defend democratic rights. Addressing a press conference in Lahore on Monday alongside senior PTI leaders, he condemned what he called unconstitutional actions targeting PTI lawmakers, describing a broader crackdown on dissent. He criticised the Punjab Assembly's decision to send references against 26 PTI members to the Election Commission of Pakistan, calling the move unlawful and politically motivated. 'Our members will continue to raise their voices against this unconstitutional step,' he said. Raja accused the government of systematically sidelining over 100 elected PTI members through the manipulation of Form-47 during the electoral process. 'This is not just political engineering—it is an assault on the people's mandate,' he asserted. He further alleged that the May 9 protests were deliberately misrepresented, claiming that what began as a peaceful demonstration was later portrayed as a violent conspiracy. He called for the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the events and demanded the release of CCTV footage to substantiate the allegations made against PTI supporters. 'In jail, Imran Khan continues to praise our assembly members for standing firm,' Raja noted, adding that the PTI founder has been denied both legal and family access and is being subjected to harsh conditions, including long hours without ventilation. He warned that Pakistan's political and judicial systems were at a critical juncture, describing July 21 as potentially 'a dark day in political and judicial history.' Raja criticised the state's use of anti-sedition laws and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) to suppress dissent in both politics and journalism. He also rejected speculation about internal deals within the party, maintaining that PTI members remain united and committed to their political stance. 'We are not stepping back. If someone dropped their reference, it does not mean there was a deal,' he clarified. Reaffirming the party's constitutional position, Raja said, 'Disqualification is only possible under Articles 62 and 63. No one can be disqualified beyond that.' He added that truth-telling had effectively been criminalised and expressed concern over the erosion of freedom of expression. The press conference took a contentious turn when a journalist asked whether Raja's rhetoric was aimed at keeping PTI's founder behind bars, and inquired about the nature of the planned protest. Raja responded calmly, stating that he had recently met with PTI leader Aliya Hamza to discuss organisational matters. However, PTI MPA Farrukh Javed Moon interrupted, labelling the journalist's question 'stupid' and telling him to 'lower your voice,' accusing him of being disrespectful. The confrontation prompted Moon to walk out of the press conference, while other journalists protested his behaviour. Raja attempted to de-escalate the situation and urged restraint. Despite the disruption, he reiterated PTI's willingness to engage in dialogue and accountability. 'We want the truth to prevail—if someone deserves punishment, let justice take its course. But let us not punish political dissent,' he said. Raja concluded by affirming that PTI remains strong both inside and outside Parliament and dismissed ongoing efforts to sideline the party as futile. 'The people are still with Imran Khan,' he said. 'Whether it's the 27th or 28th constitutional amendment—it won't change the truth.'
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
Couple held for running 'honey trap' scheme
Police in Rawalpindi have arrested a couple allegedly involved in a 'honey trap' scheme, targeting government employees. The couple reportedly lured victims to their home, recorded inappropriate videos, and used the footage to extort money. If demands were not met, the videos were allegedly leaked on social media. According to police, the case was registered at Race Course police station on the complaint of a government employee, Usman Abbasi. The suspectsidentified as Raheel Nasir alias Zain Shah and his wife Uroojwere charged under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), including Section 21 related to video-related offenses. The couple allegedly contacted government employees under the pretence of helping them secure jobs, collected their phone numbers for references, and then used Urooj's phone to invite them home. Once there, Raheel reportedly used threats and weapons to forcefully record compromising videos. The complainant stated that he was invited to a house on Range Road, forced at gunpoint to undress, recorded, and later extorted for Rs200,000. The suspects allegedly demanded and received an additional Rs510,000. When further payment was not made, the explicit videos were sent to the complainant's friends. The FIR notes that the accused also targeted the complainant's friends through similar methods.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Minister shrugs off PECA criticism
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar speaks to Voice of America in an interview. Photo: Screengrab/VoA Information Minister Atta Tarar said on Wednesday that amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the establishment of a new national agency are aimed at tackling rising digital threats — not suppressing freedom of expression. Speaking in Islamabad, Tarar said the legislation is designed to improve accountability in the online space and protect vulnerable communities. The remarks by the minister come amid growing concerns around freedom of speech in the country. Earlier on Friday, an Islamabad court suspended an order that had banned 27 YouTube channels operated by journalists and commentators. The ban had been imposed by a lower court following a request from the newly formed National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which accused the channels of spreading anti-state and defamatory content. The move was enabled under provisions of the PECA. "These laws are not meant to suppress free speech," he said. "Even the best democracies maintain systems of justice and accountability." He said the legislation seeks to make online spaces safer, particularly for women and vulnerable communities. "The digital space must protect, not endanger, those already at risk in society," he added. Tarar warned that the misuse of social media poses one of the most serious challenges of the modern era. Citing a World Economic Forum report, he said the negative use of digital platforms represents a global threat. "Fake news and propaganda are among the most dangerous issues facing societies today," he said. "Anyone can easily incite violence on these platforms." He blamed all political parties for contributing to the unchecked growth of online misinformation and called for a national effort to promote responsible digital conduct. Information minister noted the rapid expansion of social media and the shift from traditional print to electronic and digital platforms, which, he said, evolved with little oversight. He urged political leaders to use their platforms to raise awareness around societal issues such as gender discrimination and patriarchy. While entertainment and fashion accounts attract millions of followers, he said, social media should also be used for constructive and inclusive dialogue. "Social media should work under a new framework to address real social issues," he concluded.
Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PECA aimed at tackling digital threats, not silencing free speech: Tarar
Listen to article Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar said on Wednesday that amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the establishment of a new national agency are aimed at tackling rising digital threats—not suppressing freedom of expression. Speaking in Islamabad, Tarar said the legislation is designed to improve accountability in the online space and protect vulnerable communities. The remarks by the minister come amid growing concerns around freedom of speech in the country. Earlier on Friday, an Islamabad court suspended an order that had banned 27 YouTube channels operated by journalists and commentators. The ban had been imposed by a lower court following a request from the newly formed National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which accused the channels of spreading anti-state and defamatory content. The move was enabled under provisions of the PECA. 'These laws are not meant to suppress free speech,' he said. 'Even the best democracies maintain systems of justice and accountability.' He said the legislation seeks to make online spaces safer, particularly for women and vulnerable communities. Read: Provinces made party to case against PECA amendments 'The digital space must protect, not endanger, those already at risk in society,' he added. Tarar warned that the misuse of social media poses one of the most serious challenges of the modern era. Citing a World Economic Forum report, he said the negative use of digital platforms represents a global threat. 'Fake news and propaganda are among the most dangerous issues facing societies today,' he said. 'Anyone can easily incite violence on these platforms.' He blamed all political parties for contributing to the unchecked growth of online misinformation and called for a national effort to promote responsible digital conduct. Information minister noted the rapid expansion of social media and the shift from traditional print to electronic and digital platforms, which, he said, evolved with little oversight. He urged political leaders to use their platforms to raise awareness around societal issues such as gender discrimination and patriarchy. While entertainment and fashion accounts attract millions of followers, he said, social media should also be used for constructive and inclusive dialogue. 'Social media should work under a new framework to address real social issues,' he concluded.
Express Tribune
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
IFJ urges immediate review of PECA by SC
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has called on the Supreme Court to urgently review the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), citing what it says are escalating threats to press freedom and the safety of journalists in the country. In a letter to the chief justice of Pakistan, the IFJ says that media professionals in Pakistan are facing mounting dangers while performing their professional duties. It points out that journalists are being subjected to legal cases, harassment, and threats under the PECA law. The IFJ also sent copies of the letter to the prime minister, the chief justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), and the president of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ). It reminds that Pakistan's is a signatory to international conventions, which obligate it to protect fundamental rights. The IFJ letter has noted that recent amendments to PECA have granted the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) powers to act without a formal complaint - a move, it warns, could be used to silence dissent and target journalists arbitrarily. "These powers pose a serious risk of suppressing independent journalism and freedom of expression," the letter said, urging the top judge to direct the government to amend the law in consultation with PFUJ and other relevant stakeholders. The IFJ expressed concern over the bypassing of high courts through direct appeals to the apex court, calling it a "circumvention of judicial process." The IFJ highlighted the reported killing of at least seven journalists in Pakistan over the past year, while no perpetrators are convicted in cases involving attacks or threats. It cites the latest Press Freedom Report, which has documented 34 violations, including physical assaults, harassment, online hate campaigns, and intimidation.
